Christmas Dog Bow Ties: The Berry Red Bow Tie Gift Guide

At Christmas, the dog is in every family photo, under every table at dinner, and first to the tree on Christmas morning — so it is only fair that the dog gets to dress up too. A festive bow tie is the simplest way to include a dog in the celebrations: it takes seconds to put on, it photographs beautifully, and unlike a full costume it does not bother most dogs at all. If you are buying a Christmas gift for a dog, or for the dog lover in your life, a bow tie in a rich festive colour is a lovely place to start.

Why a bow tie works for dogs

Most dogs tolerate a bow tie far better than a full outfit, because it sits on the collar rather than on the body. There is nothing to step into, nothing tight around the legs, and nothing to chew off in the first five minutes. A bow tie also reads instantly in photos: a dog in a bow tie looks dressed up, even if the rest of the dog is gloriously muddy from the morning walk. For dogs that hate costumes, and for owners who hate fuss, a bow tie is the perfect compromise between festive and comfortable.

Choosing the right colour

Festive colours work best when they suit the dog as well as the season. Berry red is a deep, warm red that suits almost every coat colour, from black and chocolate to golden and white, and it looks rich against both a Christmas tree and a winter coat. It also photographs well in low winter light, which matters when most Christmas photos are taken indoors in the evening. Avoid anything too pale, which can look washed out in photos, and anything too bright, which can clash with the rest of the family's outfits. Berry red sits right in the middle: festive, flattering, and easy to match.

Our pick: the Dog Bow Tie in Berry Red

The Dog Bow Tie - Berry Red (£7.99) is a festive berry red bow tie for dogs, at a price that makes it an easy Christmas gift or stocking filler. At £7.99 it works as a gift for your own dog, as a present for a friend's dog, or as a small extra tucked into a larger gift for a dog lover. It attaches to the collar, so fitting takes seconds, and it is easy to take off again when the photos are done and the dog wants to get back to being a dog.

How to fit it, and when to take it off

Fit the bow tie to the collar before you put the collar on the dog, and check that it sits flat and does not twist. Let your dog sniff it first, praise it when it goes on, and keep the first wearing short — a few minutes, a treat, and a photo, then off again. Most dogs quickly learn that the bow tie means attention and treats, and happily wear it for family gatherings. Take it off for walks, meals and sleep, and save it for the moments that matter: the family photo, the Christmas dinner entrance, and the visit from relatives who will absolutely want a picture.

You can find the Dog Bow Tie - Berry Red (£7.99) in our Dog Accessories collection, and our Christmas dog outfit bow tie guide has more festive outfit ideas for dogs. Merry Christmas, from the best-dressed dog in the house.